BANKSY (B. 1975)People Who Enjoy Waving Flags Don't Deserve To Have One 2003 spray paint on found St. George's Cross Flag 132 by 95 cm. 51 15/16 by 37 3/8 in. This work was executed in 2003 and is a unique work from a series. Footnotes:This work is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity issued by Pest Control Office and will be issued with an updated certificate to the buyer. ProvenanceLazarides Gallery, London Private Collection, UKSale: Forum Auctions, London, Only Banksy, 23 April 2021, Lot 10 Acquired directly from the above by the present ownerPeople Who Enjoy Waving Flags Don't Deserve to Have One from 2003 is an exceptional example of Banksy's characteristically provocative and humorous oeuvre, which stirs discourse within a broader socio-political context. As one of the most acclaimed and sensationalist contemporary artists in the world, Banksy's career has garnered a following unlike any other. His political statements and subversive mise-en-scène have adorned cities across the globe at vital junctures in recent history, prompting alternative perspectives and fomenting spectacle and theatre in the art world. His first solo show in over a decade, Cut & Run, was recently hosted at Glasgow's Gallery of Modern Art and drew in crowds from all over the globe. People Who Enjoy Waving Flags Don't Deserve to Have One is a rare and amusing work, that carries with it the artist's classically witty and provocative social commentary. Not one to shy away from dark humour and pointed irony, Banksy takes St. George's flag, a historical symbol dating back hundreds of years, and mocks its common day use. St George's flag is the flag of England and is a derivation from St George's cross, dating back to the Middle Ages. The red cross can be traced back to the third crusade when French and English troops identified themselves from the opposition by wearing red and white crosses. At the same time, St George was adopted as a patron saint by various European countries, including England, since he was the personification of the ideals of Christian chivalry and known for his legendary myths of bravery. The red cross, which has been purposefully turned vertically in the present work might be taken as a reference to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, possibly one of the most internationally recognised symbols of the Christian faith. Throughout history, the depiction of Jesus' crucifixion has been painted over and over again and Banksy himself is no stranger to the inclusion of religious connotations in his works. For example, his 2017 Grappling Hook sculpture is a strong statement on the struggles of the West Bank barrier. As an artist who uses art as a weapon, Banksy's religious imagery serves to question religion's place in today's society. In the present work, by combining the crucifixion motif with the stencilled phrase over the top of it, Banksy promotes the viewers to question the symbols of nationhood and allegiance to which humanity so easily conforms. Imbued with a rich history and religious connotations, the flag is now more often used as decoration, at royal events and especially sporting events; very commonly seen in football matches, where enthusiasts often paint their faces with the English flag. Banksy is interpreting society's obsession with sport, and the similarities of religious rituals with those actioned by fanatics during football and other sporting events, which often include their nation's flag. By using the phrase stencilled onto the present work as an expressive commentary on nationalism and the often-blind allegiance to, and pride in, one's country, Banksy is also critiquing the population's simplistic manner of pompously waving their country's flag and being proud doing so, no matter the context. Waiving a flag can give people an often unfounded sense of unity, purpose and togetherness, and Banksy parodies these actions that humans take just to feel a sense of belonging, without questioning what the flag really represents. Firmly written into the art history books, alongside the likes of Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring and Richard Hambleton, Banksy belongs to a rarified group of artist-outcasts whose inimitable styles took seed in their early years as rogue street artists; styles and stories that were hotly embraced by their local contemporary art scene. With his distinct, cool, disarming wit and charm, Banksy's anti-establishment panache has earned him a cult following and unparalleled acclaim. His iconic and universally recognisable works are fiercely sought after by collectors globally and achieve high prices at auction. Banksy has gained unparalleled acclaim for his anti-establishment street art that is universally recognisable whilst his own identity, has remained intriguingly anonymous for decades. He has left an indelible mark on the walls of art history as a true maverick of the genre and cemented his journey from outsider street artist to one of the most important and admired political and cultural voices of the 21st century.This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: * AR* VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.AR Goods subject to Artists Resale Right Additional Premium.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
